90% recharged batteries in less than 5 minutes that will still recharge even 10 years later? Where do I sign up?

When many think of rechargeable batteries the first thing to mind when making a wish list is a longer life for the battery, but that is only part of the issue with rechargeable battery. Another big part of the picture when it comes to rechargeable batteries is how long it takes to charge the battery.

The main claim to fame for the SCiB battery is that it can recharge to 90% of total capacity in fewer than five minutes. Toshiba also claims the battery has a life span of over 10-years.

Toshiba says that it adopted a new negative electrode material, new separators, a new electrolyte and new manufacturing technology to bring the SCiB to life.

The SCiB batteries can recharge with as much as 50 amperes of current and but with capacity loss after 3,000 cycles of less than 10%. Toshiba also says the battery has excellent safety with the new negative electrode material having a high level of thermal stability and a high flash point. The battery is also said to be structurally resistant to internal short-circuiting and thermal runaway.

Though not as widespread as Sony's battery woes, Toshiba wants to put these fears of using its products out of the minds of buyers. If the battery technology makes it into notebook computers and other consumer electronics, it could revolutionize mobility.

The first of these batteries will be ready for industrial uses in March of 2008.